What an exciting week! I was lucky enough to visit the Knitting & Stitching show at Olympia. I have visited the Alexandra Palace show before, but I had never been to the spring event, so this was a completely new adventure. And the most exciting part was that I went to teach a workshop.
In 90 minutes, my novice embroiderers learnt the basics of hand stitch, on a forgiving felt heart hanger. They each made something unique and to their own design, but what is even more satisfying is that they all expressed a desire to do a lot more hand stitch now that they had been given a friendly introduction. This is the perfect satisfaction when teaching. Thank you, lovely ladies!
Whilst at the show I naturally had to have a good look around. Although the venue is a lot smaller than Alexandra Palace there were still some gems. My favourite stall was undoubtedly this one - I wanted to buy everything! The silks were amazing, and shone with a quiet beauty amongst some other really gaudy stalls. I stood for so long ogling them. If you have a special project I can't recommend these fabrics highly enough- not cheap, but worth it I am sure.
The other stall which I really enjoyed visiting was Jennie Atkinson's. She had her book, 'A Handknit Romance', for sale, as well as made up samples on the rail so you could see exactly how the garments would look. I wanted to buy it, but it was a large hard back and I had plenty to carry, so I settled for this individual pattern: a small item therefore a quicker knit, and with not too much yarn involved. And as a bonus it is knitted in my favourite, yet now discontinued, Rowan Siena 4-ply cotton. Best not to get me started on that topic, but I did share a mini rant with Sara from Black Sheep on the very same issue. It turns out she feels just like I do!
What with replacement bus services and other additional dramas it was a long day, but a satisfying one. I look forward to the next Knitting & Stitching show.
Whilst at the show I naturally had to have a good look around. Although the venue is a lot smaller than Alexandra Palace there were still some gems. My favourite stall was undoubtedly this one - I wanted to buy everything! The silks were amazing, and shone with a quiet beauty amongst some other really gaudy stalls. I stood for so long ogling them. If you have a special project I can't recommend these fabrics highly enough- not cheap, but worth it I am sure.
The other stall which I really enjoyed visiting was Jennie Atkinson's. She had her book, 'A Handknit Romance', for sale, as well as made up samples on the rail so you could see exactly how the garments would look. I wanted to buy it, but it was a large hard back and I had plenty to carry, so I settled for this individual pattern: a small item therefore a quicker knit, and with not too much yarn involved. And as a bonus it is knitted in my favourite, yet now discontinued, Rowan Siena 4-ply cotton. Best not to get me started on that topic, but I did share a mini rant with Sara from Black Sheep on the very same issue. It turns out she feels just like I do!
What with replacement bus services and other additional dramas it was a long day, but a satisfying one. I look forward to the next Knitting & Stitching show.
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